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Influence Of Strengthening Of Mathematics And Science Education Training Project On Pupils’ Performance In Mathematics In Kenya Certificate Of Primary Education: A Case Of Public Primary Schools In Embu West District, Embu County, Kenya.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of Strengthening of Mathematics
and Science Education training Project on pupils’ performance in mathematics in Kenya
Certificate of Primary Education in public primary schools in Kenya. The study was
carried out in Embu West district, Embu County, Kenya. The study objectives were: to
examine the extent to which the number of SMASE trainings attended influence pupils’
performance in mathematics in KCPE; to establish the extent to which teacher’s
perception of SMASE training project influences pupils’ performance in mathematics in
KCPE and to determine the extent to which practice of ASEI-PDSI in the classroom
influences pupils’ performance in mathematics in KCPE. The study was guided by
constructivists’ theory which holds that for a child to expand their learning they need to
explore their environment and learn from hands on experiences. A correlation research
design was used. Data collection tools used included: questionnaires administered to all
the 37 Head teachers and all the 48 SMASE trained mathematics teachers of public
primary schools of Embu West District; and a document analysis form which captured
mathematics means scores. The data was analysed using descriptive and correlational
statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). There is a positive
correlation between the mean grades obtained after SMASE training. The SMASE
training project improved pupils’ performance in mathematics in KCPE. The findings of
the research contribute to knowledge on ways of addressing challenges encountered
during implementation of SMASE project; provide Trainers and other education
stakeholders with feedback to improve management of training projects in future; sustain
the same as programmes after the donor withdraws; improve pupils’ performance in
mathematics in KCPE; enhance positive attitude towards science related careers because
mathematics cuts across all science subjects and a pass in mathematics is a requirement
for most careers. Among the recommendations of the study include: the MOE should: set
a fund through the Free Primary Education for supporting SMASE programme because
lack of materials/tools is the major challenge in ASEI lessons; put mechanisms in place to
ensure all teachers actualize the training content; GoK and JICA should train all teachers
in ASEI-PDSI since there is no specialization of teaching subjects in primary schools.